TRUCKERS are to receive warnings texts on their phones to help them stay one step ahead of hijackers.

TRUCKERS are to receive warnings texts on their phones to help them stay one step ahead of hijackers.

With its large manufacturing base and network of motorways, the West Midlands has become a hot-spot for lorry thefts. Now police chiefs in the region have developed an early warning system to help hauliers protect valuable loads from increasingly violent and ruthless gangs.

Promptext relays crime-related messages to haulage industry contacts either by text to a mobile phone or via voice message to a land line.

Real-time messages can include information on stolen vehicles, crimes in the area and warnings of criminal activity.

According to police figures, £12 million-worth of deliveries "fell off the back of a lorry" and into the hands of gangs last year.

Cargo hijacks have become so common that West Midlands Police have warned that the gangs pose a serious threat to the region's economy.

In one May week alone, crooks stole nine vehicles, and there are fears lorry hijackers are increasingly turning to violence and going armed with guns, knives and gas sprays.

They will take anything they can sell outside pubs and at car boot sales. Kitchen appliances, clothes and computers are the most popular.

Det Chief Insp Carl Foulkes, of West Midlands Police, said the innovative warning system, sponsored by security firm Securitas, could help put the brakes on the crime gangs.

"While the number of the LGV offences across the region remains low when compared with the total number of vehicle crimes, the cost is disproportionately higher," he said.

"We have worked closely with partner agencies such as the Road Haulage Association and Securitas, and have introduced the new Promptext system to work towards making the industry safer."

Trialled by the West Midlands Police Operation Indicate team for several months, Promptext is now ready to go live.

The real time crime message is directed to a nominated number at each industry contact point and the message can then be rolled out to drivers providing them with an extra set of eyes and ears on the road.